Re: Social Security Info.

[Guest guest]

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Glad to see you posting again. Your info on Social

Security is correct. There has been a change in the

amount attorneys can get - it has increased, however,the

method of payment I believe has changed too. Before

Social Security would earmark attorneys fees and cut a

check I believe to the attorneys. Now the attorneys will

have to collect from their clients. Prior to my current

position I was in private practice...and collecting fees

is often easier said than done. This may be okay with

social security disability but I worry that some

attorneys will not take SSI (Supplemental Security

Income) for low income folks...because it won't be worth

their effort...

The term you are looking for is " substantial meaningful "

employment. That is determined by a gridding system

which takes into account, among other things, degree of

disability, age, education, and work history, and

inherent in that ....ability to be retrained. The more

educated you are...the harder it is qualify. As one

ages, however, it is easier to get disability...after 55

ALMOST a given as that is believe it or not Advanced Age.

Your current level of disability is taken into account.

Because you are currently disabled does not mean that

your condition can't improve and they (SS) cannot say

you have medically improved and find you able.

Conversely, should you decide to work again...there is a

window of time they will give you to try again...and you

will not be disqualified for that period of time...for

trying.

An alternative to SSD is available in some states for

those who wish to be retrained. In Michigan it is called

Michigan Rehabilitation Services. I have spoken to a guy

from MO who has developed RA. He was a long time long

haul trucker. The illness has really been rough on him

financially as he is the single custodial dad of two

young daughters. His wife had difficulty with the

illness and basically left him and his daughters. He is

now going back to school in Missouri and is well on his

way to getting a bachelor's degree and MO Rehab has

helped financially and with assistive devices. Not

everyone can do that...but he is determined to work and

support kids in a new area. He is 41.

You may want to check out www.arthritisinsight.com as

they have an excellent section on Social Security

Disability/SSI. There are number of guys on the site

from a variety of areas who share their stories in the

chat room and on the message boards.

Have not been posting much lately either. Am swamped at

work, Legal Aid programs in Michigan are all being

reconfigured, and with a new personal struggle with

kidney stones. Got good news last week though ...after

first telling me I needed surgery...which would have

meant about 6 weeks off from work again. However now he

says he thinks lithotripsy may work after all....only a

few days off. Can empathize with those who go on

disability.

Hi to everyone...new and old. Glad to see you back and

posting.

Hugs,